ASHRAE Guide Looks at UFAD

Use of Underfloor Air Distribution Increasing in North America

ATLANTA — ASHRAE released a new guide examining the design, construction, and operation of underfloor air distribution (UFAD) systems.

“UFAD Guide: Design, Construction, and Operation of Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) Systems” incorporates updated results from laboratory and field experiments. Also included are simulation studies, manufacturers’ literature, design experiences from practicing engineers, and other relevant guidelines from UFAD users. For those in the construction, building commissioning, and operations and maintenance industries, this design guide provides a wealth of information on an emerging technology, all while keeping in mind the typical flow of decision making.

“There are many advantages to UFAD that make it an attractive building system solution,” said James Megerson, lead author and a member of ASHRAE’s technical resource group on UFAD. “It truly integrates the heating and air conditioning system with the entire building by utilizing common building materials as the air delivery means. The raised access floor allows accessibility to other building system infrastructure, such as power and data cabling, to facilitate easier space reconfiguration. Due to the lower system-operating pressures and potential to expand economizer operation, the system has the potential to use much lower energy than ducted systems.”

The use of UFAD is increasing in North America as a solution to space conditioning concerns. The design guide provides assistance in the planning, construction, and operation of UFAD systems, while carefully detailing the major differences between UFAD and more traditional forms of space conditioning.